Step One: Determine Your Eligibility

In order to apply to TRiO SSS, students must fit the following criteria:

1. Program Requirements (Students must be all of the following):

• • Be a U.S. Citizen or a Legal/Permanent Resident.
  • Be enrolled Full Time (12 units) or as a DRC Student Enrolled (9 units).
  • Have Academic Goals of transferring to a 4-year University.
  • Demonstrate academic need as determined by the TRiO/SSS Program Director.

2. Eligibility Requirements (Students must be at least ONE):

• • Be a First Generation college student (Neither parent has a Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree, or PhD Degree ). If either parent has an Associates degree, you are still eligible as a First Generation college student.
  • Be disabled.
  • Be considered Low Income (Based on Federal Income Guidelines).

Please click on the Red link below to see if you qualify under our Low-Income Eligibility:

Income levels are based on the number of people in your family unit as claimed on your taxes.

Federal TRIO Programs Low Income Levels.

Step Two: Fill Out the TRiO Application

1. Please fill out the Interest Form before applying.

2. TRiO/SSS Participation Application: 

• • Printable Application
  • Online Form Application

Step Three: Other Documentation

1. Income Verification:

• • Signed copy of your Federal Income Tax Form 1040 if you are independent and/or a Veteran Affairs recipient under the age of 24

or

• • A signed copy of your parent/spouse’s (or other person who claims you) Federal Tax Form 1040 if you a dependent and/or under the age of 24.

2. If a student/parent did not file income taxes, submit an Income Verification Form

• • Dependent Income Verification
  • Independent Income Verification 
  • Forms are also available in the TRiO/SSS office

3. Transcripts:

• • Recent high school graduates and those coming to Palomar from a different Community College will need to supply their most recent unofficial transcripts. 

4. DRC Verification:

• • If you have a verified disability and are a member of the Disabilities Resources Center, you will need to submit a DRC Verification Form to the DRC.
    • DRC Verification Form

Step Four: Submit Your Application Packet!

1. Required Materials

• • TRiO Application
  • Income Verification
  • Most recent unofficial transcripts (if applicable)
  • DRC Verification Form (if applicable)

2. In-Person Submission

• • All forms necessary to complete this application are available in our San Marcos Office (TCB-1) or our Escondido Office (ESC-5).
  • Your application packet may also be completed at home and brought to our office in person.

3. Online Submission

• • Online submission of your application is now available through our email: triosss@palomar.edu
  • Please include all the documents listed as attachments in the email, and use the following format in the subject: “TRIO Application”, Applicant’s First Name, Last Name, Student ID